Each competitive examination has its own format and structure. The career-specific skills tests are usually divided into two parts that are held on different days, with several months between them. In these cases, they are referred to as part 1 and part 2 of the examination (with the interview being part 3). Each part lasts several hours and comprises a series of function-related tests aimed at assessing whether you have the professional/technical skills required for UN work.
CELPs are multi-hurdle examinations. For example, in three-part examinations, only candidates who perform well in the first part (career-specific skills tests) are invited to sit the second (more career-specific skills tests); and only those who perform well in the second are invited to the third (the interview, plus, possibly additional skills tests). Those who pass all three parts are placed on the roster for subsequent recruitment.
Visit the
language careers pages of the website of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management for more information on the structure of the examinations for each function and language combination, as well as tips on how to prepare for the exams. Make sure you visit the pages in your target language as the information varies accordingly.